this is thomas with officer jennifer gardener in his new temporary home. the washington humane society shelter on georgia avenue. the tiny poodle-schnauzer mix is making new friends. >> we named him yesterday and named him thomas. >> why thomas? >> after the maintenance man who found him. >> reporter: the dog was found behind the douglas-knoll apartment complex. the cage is next to the dumpster and wreaks of feces and urine. rena kelly was with the maintenance naman who discovered the dog. >> we were cleaning around the dumpster and heard something crying. the gentleman climbed over and pulled it out and put it inside and i went in and called animal control. >> reporter: his hair was matted and dirty and he's been shaved and groomed. people who live in the apartment building where he was found are outraged he was tossed out and left to die. >> what? how can someone do it to the dog? maybe someone couldn't pay the rent for the dog. they charge you rent around here. >> reporter: whatever the reason, that is a crime, misdemeanor animal crueltiy with a penalty